Trapped is a unique TV series, not just because it is an Icelandic production, But because it is both sophisticated, interesting and binge-worthy. You get a clear picture of how justice plays out in Iceland. It is not unlike our part of the world, but it is clear guns are not the norm. Often I cringed when one of the detectives came across a criminal and I had wished they had a gun. It was obvious though guns are mostly unwarranted and the detectives succeed in getting the bad guy. When guns are needed a SWAT team comes in and takes care of the hunting guns pointed at them. Most of the accused are handcuffed in front, not in back and they are even led to the cop car before getting cuffed.
I am a tad bit shy about posting the characters and actors names as I don’t have any software with the Icelandic language. Therefore, I am leaving accents out. Andri is the chief of police in a small town in Iceland, where everyone knows everyone else. Hinrika she is the next in line, then Asgeir, he’s low man on the totem pole, and a little naive. However, he is excellent at his computer skills.
Above is the link to where you can see who the actors are and their characters names.
The character Andri, as any detective, tries to balance his home life with his work. Of course when you are snowed in and the head office out of Reykjavik, the main city in Iceland is unavailable, things can become very complicated. Lack of modern technology to guide these snowed bound detectives warrants a whole new approach.
It is noteworthy to mention that everyone speaks English perfectly. Most even speak without a strong Icelandic accent. For an Island of approximately 400,000, this for me added to the uniqueness of the characters and their story. Still most of it is in Icelandic and you have to view subtitles.
The screenwriter did a fantastic job, the director as well. If you want to learn whodunit, you will be hard pressed to find out. There are multiple layers, and that becomes even more possible because everyone knows everyone else, and they are likely related to one another in some way. Family feuds are alive and well in this small part of the world, but so is loyalty to family. Getting a straight story from someone can prove taxing for the detectives.
The story also has story legends. We hear an old Norse tale from an old lady, almost soothsayer like. After she tells her tale, you are left to think is there really this curse that goes back thousands of years.
My favorite character is Andi. He is a gentle giant, who you really don’t want to mess with. The name of one of the characters I like the most is Vikingur! I think my next cat will bear that name.
I highly recommend this series. You won’t regret watching it, unless you don’t like a great series!
i visited Iceland when I was around nine years old. I can still remember the geysers, the volcanic ash and rocks and the unisex changing room where my entire family had to change in, so we could go swimming in the hot springs together. Who wanted to look at one’s family members, there were so many people undressing around me!
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